Theatre Beat: “Guys and Dolls” and “The Fantasticks”

"Try to Remember" a longer running musical than The Fantasticks... The timeless classic will be staged by the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop for six performances - June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg. Pictured are Marissa Cohen, left, Christopher Sheridan and Allen Eckers)

Harold Tighe’s Shakespearean buffoon was his best performance to date and his sidekick (played by Washburn) amused as well. The music is undoubtedly the star of this production, and lesser known songs like “Much More,” “They Were You” and “Soon it’s Gonna Rain,” somehow eclipsed the show’s signature tune, El Gallo’s “Try to Remember.” All in all, the production succeeds, with much of the credit given to the book and score. My hat’s off, however, to the SCDW for presenting “The Fantasticks” to begin with, since it’s legacy is strong and audiences unfamiliar with this lovely show now have an opportunity to experience it in the refurbished Rivoli, which is also well worth a visit. For reservations, visit www.scdw.net or call 845/436-5336

I find that the review of the SCDW’s Fantasticks would have had more merit if the reviewer had stayed passed the first act. In my opinion, if you do not view the entire show, do not review it. If you had stayed, perhaps you might have seen character development or redeeming qualities in some performances. I do not believe a comprehensive review could have been done without seeing the entirety of the show.